Developers Say Rite Aid Plans Protect River

Foresee No More Threat To Site Than Repair Shop Already There

August 06, 1999|By BRENDA SULLIVAN; Courant Staff Writer

VERNON — Developers of a proposed Rite Aid Pharmacy, at the corner of Routes 74 and 83, say the project would pose less of an environmental threat to the Hockanum River than a radiator repair shop currently on the site.

The planning and zoning commission got its first look at site plans for the project at a public hearing Thursday.

The development requires a special permit because of several aspects of the project, including the fact that it lies within an aquifer protection zone.

On Feb. 24, the inland-wetlands commission unanimously approved a permit for the 11,000- square-foot structure, despite protests by residents concerned with its potential impact on the Hockanum River.

The Hockanum River runs alongside the western edge of the proposed 1.59-acre building site for about 270 feet.

Members of the Hockanum River Watershed Association and The Friends of the Hockanum River Linear Park have filed with the state Department of Environmental Protection for what's known as intervenor status. This designation gives the group a stronger voice in the proceedings.

``I'm not against development, but this is contrary to the goals of our local, state and federal government,'' who have invested $1 million for easements and land purchases along the river, Virginia Gingras, president of Friends of the Hockanum River Linear Park, said during a break in the meeting.

Paving for the building site would bring development about 20 feet closer to the river than existing buildings, which are now 45 feet or more away from the river, said Douglas H. Smith, President of the Hockanum River Watershed Association.

Lawyer Sol Kerensky, representing developers CRH Concepts, said five existing underground tanks would be removed, and runoff now allowed to flow directly into the river would be captured and treated using state-of-the-art technology,

``We're providing significantly better protection,'' Kerensky said as he circulated photographs of ``unknown'' fluids puddled on the floor of Carr's Radiator and Muffler shop on Union Street (Route 74).

The development site would combine three parcels, including two belonging to Valerie and Merril Carr, who own Ducky's Drive- In restaurant and the radiator and muffler shop, both on Route 74.

The repair shop, along with a small office building and an eight- unit rooming house would be demolished to make way for the Rite Aid building.

The deal with the Carrs is contingent on accommodating Ducky's restaurant, Kerensky said. Therefore, the Rite Aid Pharmacy plans include sharing a driveway on Route 74 with the restaurant, and allowing restaurant patrons to use Rite Aid's parking lot.

The plan also eliminates four existing driveways -- two on Route 74 and two on Route 83. The project is expected to increase traffic by about 1 percent, said the developer's traffic engineer.